Annual tea party helps restore family bonds

When young women sit down for tea this Saturday at the Zion Community House, they’ll learn more than proper etiquette and good manners.

This party focuses on Teaching, Empowering and Acting, or “T.E.A.” The annual event is hosted by the Mothers And Daughters Excelling organization, also known as “M.A.D.E.”

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“We’re about women of all ages being able to connect and to be of service to one another,” explained M.A.D.E. President and Founder Jackie Newton. “I am a strong proponent of empowering each other. There are some mothers who need help or inspired to do things differently.

“I don't know everything, but I learned a lot from other women in church,” Newton continued. “Knowledge is power. We need to share what we know.”

The M.A.D.E. organization meets for tea on a bi-monthly basis, and a formal tea party is held every spring.

The bi-monthly gatherings are more informal, but every tea party has a theme.

This month the theme is about giving and is titled, “Together We Gather, Together We Give.”

The discussion will focus on the importance of mothers and daughters gathering during the holidays, plus building and sharing family memories that can be passed from generation to generation.

"We learn by doing,” Newton said. “We pass on traditions from one generation to another. We need to take time out, put down the phone, turn off the TV and really share with each other. Tell each other, ‘I see you and I really care about you.’”

This weekend, members of M.A.D.E and their daughters will share their memories that include recipes, favorite charities and talents.

"I want women to give back to your family and give back to your community; share the love,” Newton explained. “Let’s teach the young ladies how to sew or cook ... I don't know everything, so I rely on others to teach me, such as social media. What are the new emojis? What's the new word for being hip?”

Newton believes the trade of knowledge and skills will form more resources and role models for young women.

Those building blocks are also the foundation of M.A.D.E.’s new mentoring program that will begin in December.

The “Together We Gather, Together We Give” T.E.A./tea party will be held at the Zion Community House at 121 Temple Avenue on Saturday, Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Guests will be treated to an informal tea party setting complete with sandwiches, desserts and array of flavorful teas. Girls aged 8 years old and younger can bring their favorite baby doll to the event.

Participants are asked to wear business casual; no jeans.

Guests are also asked to bring nonperishable snacks, socks in all sizes, hats and gloves to the T.E.A. party. The items will be donated to a children’s home.

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